The Bulgarian market for welded pipes has not seen any substantial changes over the past two weeks as the domestic market continues to be dormant and buyers are still extremely reluctant to book any important orders. Most orders coming to Bulgarian welded pipe producers are from European consumers, especially from Germany and Hungary. Domestic prices of locally produced welded pipes have not changed much over the past two weeks, but a downward correction is expected in the coming period. Bulgarian welded pipes of July-August production are being offered for export at €20-35/mt cheaper than for June production; however, over the past two weeks export quotations of welded pipes from Bulgarian producers have remained stable. Bulgarian pipe producers report that demand from European customers is strong enough despite the holiday season. Nevertheless, welded pipe prices in Bulgaria are expected to drop in line with decreasing prices for European flats and raw materials.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade hot rolled coil (HRC) according to EN 10219 are being given to the domestic market at around €610-630/mt ex-works, exclusive of 20 percent VAT and on actual weight basis. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC are in the range of €650-660/mt ex-works. Domestic quotations of water and gas ERW pipes made to EN 10255 are at €630-640/mt ex-works.
Export quotations of Bulgarian ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN 10219 are at the level of €560-600/mt ex-works on actual weight basis for July-August production. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN10219 are in the range of €610-650/mt ex-works. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €580-620/mt ex-works.